The Baltimore County Police Department is providing information regarding its application for federal funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program: FY 2017 Local Solicitation. This message constitutes public notice of the application.

FY 2017 Local Solicitation

The Baltimore County Police Department is in the process of applying to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program: FY 2017 Local Solicitation. Baltimore County has been allocated $294,295 under the federal funding formula for state and local jurisdictions. The Police Department intends to use this allocation to continue to partially fund the salaries of six Police Officer positions and one Criminal Records Clerk position hired under a previous award.

To review a copy of the application or to provide comments, please contact the Grants Management Team of the Baltimore County Police Department by calling 410-887-5637.

Today, Baltimore County Police Officers are wearing mourning bands on their badges in memory of a fallen hero.

Lieutenant Michael Howe, the former commander of the Baltimore County Police Tactical Unit, died on August 11, 2008 as a result of a massive stroke. On August 10, 2008, Lieutenant Howe was with his unit at the scene of a murder-suicide in Precinct 4/Pikesville. When he returned home after that incident, he collapsed and was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he died the next afternoon.

Photo of Lieutenant Michael Howe

Update (August 11, 2017 9:06 a.m.):

Baltimore County Police have identified the suspect sought in the serious assault of an acquaintance he met at McDonald's in Essex.

Earl James Kurth (29) of the unit block of South Hawthorn Road in Middle River turned himself in to police at Essex Precinct around 4:15 p.m. yesterday after seeing this media release. He is charged with 1st and 2nd degree assault and is held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center pending a bail review today.

Original Release (August 9, 2017 10 a.m.):

Baltimore County Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who brutally assaulted a man he’d just met.

Around 11:30 p.m. on June 3 police responded to Franklin Square Hospital where the victim was being treated for serious wounds to his face and body. Police determined that the victim had been eating at McDonald’s at 2119 Eastern Boulevard in Essex with a friend around 10:30 p.m. The victim initiated a conversation with another patron, the suspect, who became irritated at some point during their conversation. The victim attempted to diffuse the situation by leaving. Moments later, as he was walking on Kingston Road near Firethorn Road, the victim was approached and attacked by the suspect, rendering him unconscious.

Police were able to obtain surveillance video of the suspect, who returned to the McDonald’s after the assault to clean himself up with napkins (click here to view video clip). Anyone who recognizes this suspect or has any information regarding this crime is asked to contact detectives of the Essex Precinct Investigative Services Unit at 410-887-0230.

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, text message or online.